(Image credit: Bryanston Distributing Company / Universal Pictures)
Like the infamous weapon itself, Hollywood has persistently cut through the legacy of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre. The outcomes have not always hit the mark, save for the 2003 remake, which is considered exceptional. However, the landscape might be changing with news that the rights to this iconic property are up for grabs, and a set of intriguing names might breathe new life into it.
Deadline reveals that Strange Darling director JT Mollner and producer Roy Lee are interested in acquiring the Sawyer legacy, aiming to add their own bloody twist to the franchise. If their ambitions come to fruition, it seems a perfect match, considering how effectively Mollner crafted his acclaimed tale of murder. Adding fuel to the excitement, Texan-born actor Glen Powell is eager to explore Mollner’s vision.
Yet, with such a property, Mollner is likely to encounter fierce competition from other studios and directors vying to wield the chainsaw. As The Hollywood Reporter notes, IT director Andy Muschietti is also a potential contender in pursuing this chilling house set in the wilderness.
Currently, the rights are held by Verve, the company that has managed the franchise since 2017. Their last endeavor was the 2022 horror series on Netflix, which did not generate further continuations. A spokesperson from Verve told Deadline, “Verve represents The Texas Chainsaw Massacre estate and is building out a multimedia strategy for the seminal horror franchise. Although we haven’t formally pitched it, numerous packages are already being proposed to us due to the property’s iconic status.”
For now, we can only anticipate who will win the bidding contest to revive Leatherface and the terrifying legacy that follows. In the meantime, check out a list of horror remakes that are so effectively terrifying, they leave a lasting impact.
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